Cadillac Escalade ESV vs Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was an extended version of the standard Escalade, featuring a complete redesign for that model year. It was notably longer, measuring 226.9 inches compared to the Escalade's 211.9 inches, and slightly lower in height. This additional length was primarily at the rear, enhancing cargo space and providing a more stable ride due to its extended wheelbase of 134.1 inches. The Escalade ESV boasted a luxurious appearance with chrome styling on various trim levels, while Sport models featured blacked-out accents. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with variations in finishes and spoke designs depending on the trim. The vehicle's exterior was further enhanced by features like LED headlights, a panoramic moonroof, and power-extending assist steps, contributing to its upscale look.

Inside, the Escalade ESV's interior was less impressive, particularly in lighter color schemes where the use of hard plastics was evident. Despite its high price point, the dashboard lacked distinctive trimmings. The vehicle offered a range of packages to enhance both exterior and interior features, but the overall interior design fell short of expectations for a luxury SUV in its price range.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Performance, aimed for high style with a bold design. Its front end featured a large, black trapezoidal grille, slim headlights, and air intakes, creating a striking, albeit over-stylized, appearance. The profile was sleek, with flat wheel flares and a character line suggesting motion, while the floating roofline added a sporty touch. The rear design included a full-width taillight and dark trim, enhancing its sporty look. Inside, the RX 500h offered Dark Graphite or Rioja Red leather, with sporty elements like a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum pedals. The interior was equipped with digital screens and soft-touch materials, providing a modern and comfortable environment.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine options: a 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). The V8 engine provided sufficient power, though it could have benefited from more low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The Escalade ESV's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, depending on the trim level, which could impact performance when towing. Fuel economy was not officially rated by the EPA for the ESV, but the traditional Escalade achieved an estimated 17 to 23 mpg combined. During testing, the RWD Escalade ESV averaged around 18 mpg.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid, specifically the RX 500h, delivered 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque through a combination of a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system. The engine generated 271 horsepower, while two electric motors contributed the remaining 95 horsepower. The RX 500h featured all-wheel drive (AWD) with a front motor between the engine and the six-speed automatic transmission, and a rear motor as part of an eAxle. The vehicle offered a seamless transition from electric to gas propulsion, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. The RX 500h came with standard adaptive dampers, rear-axle steering, and a firmer suspension, enhancing its performance. However, the steering lacked feel, and the all-season tires provided limited grip. The RX 500h's ride was firm, especially in Sport mode, and could become busy on bumpy roads.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and practicality, offering leatherette seating surfaces with available leather upholstery. Standard features included 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated first- and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone climate control. The ESV provided ample legroom in the first two rows, while the third row was suitable for occasional adult use. Cargo space was generous, with 126.6 cubic feet behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third row. The power-adjustable third row could be folded using a switch in the cargo area, though it required careful adjustment to avoid getting stuck. The hands-free power liftgate was convenient but occasionally unreliable. The Escalade ESV also featured an adaptive air suspension for easier entry and exit, and a rear window that opened for additional storage options.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a comfortable interior with eight-way power-adjustable sport seats, standard heating and cooling, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seats provided good legroom, though accommodating three adults could be uncomfortable. The RX 500h had 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row up, expanding to 46.2 cubic feet when folded. While this was smaller than some competitors, it still offered practical storage options.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was equipped with advanced technology, including a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. The vehicle featured wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. A standout feature was the curved 38-inch OLED screen, providing crisp graphics and intuitive menu navigation. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing hands-free driving on designated highways. While Super Cruise generally performed well, it occasionally struggled in certain conditions, such as construction zones or sudden changes in lighting. The system's lane-change technology was effective but sometimes slow to respond in heavy traffic.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch touchscreen, and a standard head-up display. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Lexus Intelligent Assist for voice commands. The touchscreen was responsive and user-friendly, though the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls could be distracting. Lexus offered a three-year Drive Connect subscription with real-time traffic information, enhancing the vehicle's connectivity.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with a range of safety features, including front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Additional options included adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and advanced adaptive cruise control. The Escalade ESV received a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with a lower score in the rollover test due to its top-heavy design.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Standard features also included parking sensors, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional safety features included automatic parking and a surround-view camera system. The RX received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in the updated moderate front overlap test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).